Jazmin Li
The requirements for identification at airports vary across different countries and states. In the U.S., the REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, establishes minimum security standards for license issuance and production. Starting May 7, 2025, only REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses or other acceptable forms of identification will be accepted at airports. This means that state-issued driver's licenses and IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant will no longer be accepted as valid forms of identification. Similarly, in India, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has issued a list of 10 acceptable identity documents, which include a passport, voter ID, driving license, and more. It is important to check the specific requirements for your location and always carry acceptable identification when traveling to avoid any issues at the airport.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is a driving licence a valid form of ID at airports? | Yes, but it must be REAL ID-compliant. |
| Who does this apply to? | Adult passengers (18 and older). |
| Where does this apply? | In the U.S. and India. |
| When will this come into effect? | May 7, 2025. |
| What other forms of ID are accepted? | Passport, voter ID, Aadhaar or m-Aadhaar, Pan Card, Service ID, Student ID card, bank passbook with photo, pension card or documents with photo, disability ID card, or a government-issued photo ID. |
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What You'll Learn
Driving licences as ID for domestic flights
In the United States, adult passengers aged 18 and over must show valid identification at the airport checkpoint to be allowed to travel. This includes domestic flights. A REAL ID-compliant driver's license is accepted as a valid form of ID at TSA checkpoints. However, a temporary driver's license is not considered an acceptable form of identification. State-issued driver's licenses and IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant will not be accepted as valid forms of identification at airports starting May 7, 2025. Passengers with non-compliant IDs will be notified of their non-compliance and may be directed to a separate area for additional screening.
The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, established minimum security standards for the issuance and production of licenses and prohibited federal agencies from accepting noncompliant IDs. This includes driver's licenses and identification cards, both physical and digital (Mobile Driver's Licenses or mDLs).
To be REAL ID-compliant, a driver's license must meet the security standards established by the REAL ID Act. REAL ID-compliant cards are marked with a star at the top of the card. If you are unsure whether your ID complies with REAL ID, you should check with your state department of motor vehicles. Some states, such as Michigan, Vermont, Minnesota, and New York, issue both REAL IDs and state-enhanced driver's licenses, both of which are acceptable. Washington state only issues enhanced driver's licenses, which are marked with a flag.
It's important to note that the requirements for acceptable identification may change without notice. Therefore, it is recommended to check the list of acceptable IDs before travelling to ensure you have the correct documentation. Additionally, TSA's website provides information on all the forms of identification that are accepted.
In India, a driving license is also accepted as a valid form of identification at airport security checkpoints, according to a 2017 article from the Times of India.
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REAL ID-compliant cards
As of May 7, 2025, all US travelers must be REAL ID-compliant to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities. This means that state-issued driver's licenses and IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant will no longer be accepted as valid forms of identification at airports. REAL ID-compliant cards are marked with a star or a flag and are issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or an equivalent agency. These cards are designed to meet the minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards, as established by the REAL ID Act passed by Congress in 2005.
To obtain a REAL ID-compliant card, individuals can apply through their state DMV offices. The process typically involves submitting the required documentation, which may include a utility bill, Social Security card, birth certificate, or marriage certificate. It is important to note that expired or outdated documents will not be accepted. After applying, individuals will receive a temporary document, and their new REAL ID card will arrive by mail within about two weeks. There is no additional fee for a REAL ID, although normal transaction fees may still apply.
It is worth mentioning that REAL IDs are not required for certain purposes, such as accessing health or life-preserving services, law enforcement, or constitutionally protected activities. Additionally, individuals can use alternative forms of identification, such as a passport, passport card, or state-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL), instead of a REAL ID when traveling. EDLs issued by Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Vermont are considered acceptable alternatives and can be identified by the image of the U.S. flag and the word "Enhanced" at the top of the card.
While the REAL ID Act sets standards for identification documents, it does not require individuals to present identification where it is not already mandated. For example, individuals can still access the public areas of federal facilities like the Smithsonian without a REAL ID or alternative form of identification. However, for domestic air travel and access to certain federal facilities, possessing a REAL ID-compliant card or an accepted alternative is essential.
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TSA requirements for ID
The TSA requires adult passengers aged 18 and over to show valid identification at the airport in order to travel. Children under 18 are not required to provide identification when travelling within the United States, although unaccompanied minors eligible for TSA PreCheck must show an acceptable ID for expedited screening.
From May 2025, US travellers must have a REAL ID-compliant form of identification to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities. This can be a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state photo identity card issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent). A temporary driver's license is not accepted. Passengers should check the TSA's list of acceptable IDs before travelling, as it is subject to change without notice.
The TSA also accepts expired IDs for up to two years after their expiration date. Other acceptable forms of ID include:
- U.S. passport
- U.S. passport card
- DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
- U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
- An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs)
- Permanent Resident Card (I-551), also known as a "Green Card"
- Unexpired Foreign Passport and Immigrant Visa with I-551 annotation
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International travel ID requirements
When travelling internationally, it is the responsibility of the traveller to ensure they have the correct documents to enter and pass through any countries during their trip and to make their way back home. If you do not have the required documentation and identification, you will not be allowed to board the plane and will be responsible for any resulting costs.
In the US, adult passengers (18 and older) must show valid identification at the airport checkpoint to travel. A REAL ID-compliant driver's licence or other state photo identity card issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent) is required. From May 7, 2025, state-issued driver's licences and IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant will no longer be accepted as valid forms of identification at airports. Passengers should either travel with an acceptable alternative form of ID, like a passport, or enrol for a state-issued REAL ID through their state DMV offices.
Children under 18 are generally not required to provide identification when travelling within the US, although unaccompanied minors who are eligible for TSA PreCheck must show an acceptable ID to receive expedited screening. It is recommended to contact the airline for questions regarding their specific ID requirements for travellers under 18.
Different countries have different requirements for entry, so it is important to check the specific ID requirements for your destination country. For example, the United Kingdom requires citizens of the United States and other countries to obtain an ETA before entering for short stays of up to 6 months.
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Children's ID requirements
Children under the age of 18 are generally not required to provide identification when travelling within the United States. However, this may vary depending on the airline, and it is always recommended that children carry some form of identification with them when travelling. Some airlines, for example, require a copy of the birth certificate or government-issued photo ID at check-in for children under the age of 2 who are flying as a lap child. Children between the ages of 5 and 14 may not need to show ID at check-in, but it is still recommended that they carry some form of identification during travel. Children between the ages of 15 and 17 may be required to provide identification, especially if they are travelling alone. In such cases, it is best to carry a photo ID.
If a child is travelling internationally, additional documentation may be required, such as a travel visa. Furthermore, if a child is travelling with only one parent or guardian, a notarized parental consent form signed by both parents may be necessary, along with a copy of the non-travelling parent's passport or valid identification. In the case of a deceased parent, the living parent or guardian will need to sign the consent form and provide a copy of the death certificate.
It is important to note that the requirements for identification may vary depending on the country and airline, so it is always best to check with the specific airline or official government sources before travelling to ensure you have the correct documentation.
As for adults, it is important to carry acceptable identification when travelling. While a driving licence is a commonly accepted form of ID, it must be REAL ID-compliant. From May 2025, state-issued driver's licences that are not REAL ID-compliant will no longer be accepted as valid identification at airports. Passengers will need to present an alternative form of ID, such as a passport, or a state-issued REAL ID.
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Frequently asked questions
A driving licence can be used as a form of identification at the airport, but it must be REAL ID-compliant. This means that it meets the security standards established by the REAL ID Act. If your driving licence is not REAL ID-compliant, you will need to present another acceptable form of ID, such as a passport.
REAL ID-compliant cards are marked with a star at the top. If you are unsure, you should contact your state driver's licence agency or check with your state department of motor vehicles.
If you arrive at the airport without a valid form of identification, you may still be allowed to fly. The TSA officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process, which includes providing information such as your name and current address.
